A Fascinating Colorado Scenic Drive With Silly Chipmunks

A fascinating Colorado scenic drive with silly chipmunks is waiting for you. You can create lifelong memories from exploring the Colorado Rockies driving these scenic roads to the historic St. Elmo ghost town.  You will have an enjoyable time exploring the Rocky Mountains in this central Colorado mining district.  Even though the scenery is outstanding, the chipmunks steal the show. Follow along on this fun Colorado outing.

 

The Historic St. Elmo Ghost Town

St. Elmo is one of Colorado’s best preserved ghost towns.

 

St. Elmo was founded in 1880 after gold and silver were discovered and peaked in the 1890’s with a population of around 2,000 people. Despite the town’s location, miners came into town from all around on Saturday nights for a raucous time. St. Elmo developed a not so family friendly reputation.

 

The town had five hotels, a general store, town hall, saloons, dance halls, telegraph office, newspaper, school house and other supporting buildings.

 

Most people worked at four mines with the largest being the Mary Murphy Mine. Consequently, it’s estimated that sixty million dollars worth of gold was mined here.

 

In due time, the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad built a railroad to town, but mining declined and in 1922 it stopped service. However, before the railroad was built St. Elmo was serviced by stagecoaches and freight wagons.

 

Fire has destroyed parts of the town over the years but there are still quite a few buildings remaining. A fire destroyed a large section of town in 1890, including the post office. All things considered, the postmaster saved the mail but was tormented for not saving the liquor and cigar stash.

Now, St. Elmo is listed on the National Register Of Historic Places, but is also known for a staging area for ATV’s, snowmobiling and Chipmunks. Our favorite time to go is Fall, followed by Spring when less people are there. Summer is busiest by far, so we go other places to avoid crowds. However, this fascinating Colorado scenic drive with silly chipmunks should be on everyones list.

 

We also think you will enjoy reading about this event from the past.

 

The Chipmunks Are The Most Fun

Yes, St. Elmo is a neat ghost town. Trust us on this though, the chipmunks really are the most fun. You should look for the general store when you come into town. Then, right across the street is a pile of old railroad ties and boards where the chipmunks live.

 

Really, all you need is to get close enough and they will start to coming with hopes of someone feeding them. You’ll also notice they are well fed! We take our own bag of sunflower seeds and popcorn, but you can buy sunflower seeds at the general store for about .50 cents a bag. Sometimes the store will leave bags out and you can pay on the honor system. Definitely have enough food though since so many chipmunks will greet you.

 

They are tame enough to sit on your lap and even eat out of your hand! Consequently, one even snuck inside the sunflower seed bag while our son was holding it.

 

Getting There From Buena Vista

 

From downtown take West Main St. then turn left on Rodeo Road, County Road 321. You will pass Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds with Mt. Princeton views along the way. This will take you to the intersection of County Road 162 where you will see Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort.

 

The resort used to be a small mom and pop place with a pool. Now, a well developed resort with many hot springs pools. Regardless, this has become a popular place to stay while exploring Buena Vista and the area.

 

Next, turn right on Chalk Creek Drive, or County Road 162. Chalk Creek follows the road into St. Elmo. At this intersection, you are right below Chalk Cliffs. To point out, this drive is perfect to see on a fall drive with the aspen trees!

 

In fact, there is a myth that Spanish Conquistadors hid two bags of gold and silver somewhere at the base of the Chalk Cliffs while Indians were chasing them. Many people have died climbing these cliffs looking for the treasure.

 

A Perfect Family Lake For Quality Time

 

This is important. Bunny Lane comes up soon on the left. This is a nice side road that goes past Wrights Lake. Even though it’s a small lake, it’s picturesque with a mountain backdrop. We have been fishing here and we highly recommend it. A smooth grassy trail goes all the way around and there’s plenty of open space to cast for fly fishing.

 

Take our advice, this is a perfect place to take the family fishing or have a picnic. You are able to see the whole lake at once making it’s easy to keep an eye on the kids. And, it isn’t well known since it’s off the main road. This is one of those places kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

 

**It’s important to realize that Wrights Lake is a private lake that belongs to the community. However, if you stay locally most will allow access here so check ahead of time.

 

Bunny Lane continues for a short time then connects again with Chalk Creek Drive at the Chalk Creek Trailhead.

 

A Colorful Mountain Drive Is Next

 

Shortly after Bunny Lane stop at Love Meadow Watchable Wildlife Area. This is a big meadow below the cliffs where different types of wildlife hangout, notably elk in the meadow, along with bighorn sheep and mountain goats on the mountain. And, of course, deer, they are everywhere.

 

Further along is a popular recreation area with two campgrounds, Mt. Princeton and Chalk Lake. Chalk Lake Campground sits in-between Agnes Vaille Trail And Waterfall, then quickly after, Chalk Lake Fishing Site. Another small lake, but public with a toilet and day use fee. Just past the Agnes Vaille Trail And Waterfall, the road turns to a well maintained gravel road.

 

Just a little further is Cascade Falls. You will see a brown state forest sign on the right before the pullout.  Look for it just before a big curve in the road. Cascade Falls is more like a tumble over rocks though, but still a nice place to see.

 

Two Roads Lead To St. Elmo

 

After Cascade Falls, look for County Road 292 with a bridge to the right that crosses Chalk Creek. This is where an alternative road to St. Elmo starts. Although getting to St. Elmo is mainly from Chalk Creek Drive, this is another nice drive that branches off. We suggest going in one way and coming back another.

 

Chalk Creek Drive Into St. Elmo

 

Alpine Lake is next and right across from it is the trailhead and four wheel drive road (277) that goes up to Mt. Antero.

 

Did you know that Mt. Antero is famous for world class aquamarine crystals? As a matter of fact, the Weather Channel featured a reality television show called “Prospectors” about precious crystals found on it.

 

Road 277 is a 4×4 ONLY road, but the scenery up Mt. Antero is stunning and something most people will never experience. With this in mind, you can experience this by renting a Jeep in nearby Buena Vista. We did this and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we have made. Look into this ahead of time to see if you feel comfortable trying this.

 

Starting up this road is difficult because it is steep and very rocky. Don’t even attempt this unless you have a four wheel drive vehicle with high clearance. By and large though after you get past this rocky section it’s not too bad.

 

We will write about our Mt. Antero four wheel drive adventure at another time, so keep an eye out.

 

Eventually, Chalk Creek Drive meets up with Road 292 at a large intersection before you arrive in St. Elmo. This also serves as a parking and staging area for off road vehicles like four wheelers and snowmobiles. Up next on our fascinating Colorado scenic drive with silly chipmunks is the fun drive back.

Coming Back On Road 292

 

We like driving on Chalk Creek Drive to St. Elmo first thing in the morning. We’ll go at a slower pace to enjoy the scenery and look for wildlife. The drive is more relaxing and enjoyable because there isn’t as much traffic in early mornings. Then we’ll come back on Road 292 for two reasons. First, we avoid traffic going into St. Elmo and second, this road follows closer to Mt. Princeton where there’s a better chance to still see wildlife.

 

This way we have the best experience both ways without seeing as many people.

 

Would you like to read about an outstanding Colorado drive that’s so easy anyone could do it, yet so few do? We would like to share with you one of our favorite areas, read about it here.

 

Just outside of St. Elmo on road 292 is the restored Brown Cabin site. This is the only remains of the brief smelter town of Iron City. You will also pass Iron City Campground a little further from Iron City Cemetery. Soon after is Coal Camp Canyon and Sheep Canyon before you drive right beside Alpine Lake.

 

Keep going on 292 through a small residential area. Before you get back to Chalk Creek Drive you will come across Mt. Princeton – Grouse Trailhead. Although this is a beautiful hike, it is very confusing and has dangerous possibilities. Probably a good idea to skip it. Lastly, Chalk Creek Drive is just around the corner.

 

Things To Do Around Buena Vista

 

Whitewater Rafting

We had such a great time and experience whitewater rafting through Browns Canyon that this has to be first. We went in early June after winter produced a record snowfall in the Rockies. The day we went they was a debate if they should cancel all trips since the Arkansas River had too much water flowing.

 

We lucked out. Our rafting trip was on and it couldn’t have been better. Excellent rapids created a wild river ride that we’ll never forget. Especially since this was the first whitewater trip for our teenage son.

 

We used Noah’s Ark and would highly recommend them. They are right on the Arkansas River so we put our boats in there. This was so easy since other rafting companies take buses both ways on the trip.

 

Scenic Drives And So Many More Outdoor Activities

Another favorite thing we do is to drive up to Cottonwood Pass. We do this every single time we are in the area because the view is simply amazing. You can see mountains forever, one right after another from the parking area. In our opinion this is one of the best passes for mountain views. From Buena Vista this is an easy paved drive that takes about 30 minutes to go 19 miles.

 

Furthermore, Buena Vista is a favorite Colorado town of ours for several reasons. First, it’s secluded away from the larger cities meaning less traffic than other popular Colorado towns, but things to do in the mountains are limitless. Second, this is a terrific place to explore the mountains in all directions. Third, You will have unique Colorado experiences.

 

We explored Glacier National Park and didn’t see a single person or vehicle in this corner of the park. We also had lunch alone with a herd of elk. This is how it happened.

 

Equally important, these are just some activities you will find in this area.

 

Watch kayakers perform tricks on Cottonwood Creek from the Buena Vista Depot in downtown. There is also an aerial adventure park at Browns Canyon, zipline tours, paddle boarding, rock climbing and of course, fishing.

 

These outdoor activities coupled with hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are irresistible in this area.

 

In addition, other ways for outdoor fun are ATVing, jeeping, dirt biking and rock crawling.

 

Also, there are 3 golf courses nearby and another fun thing to do is taking hot air balloon rides.

 

Winter Outdoor Activities

 

Obviously, there is skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing for the winter. Along with dog sled rides by Monarch ski area through the San Isabel National Forest.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Obviously, this is one of our favorite places in Colorado. We lived in Colorado many years ago, and still nowhere else compares. Even though we have explored this small area a lot over the years, there is still so much more left. Take time to explore this area on your own because you will find much more than we have mentioned. For the most part, we recommend going off or shoulder season since summer months are getting very popular.

 

We welcome your questions and comments about A Fascinating Colorado Scenic Drive With Silly Chipmunks. Please use the comment box below.

And, as always, thanks for reading!

Tom and Kristi